As NC looks at medical cannabis options, veterans are no longer on the sidelines. | Opinion – The Fayetteville Observer
Fayetteville, North Carolina — home to Fort Bragg and a strong veteran community — has seen a growing interest in THCA, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s making waves in the wellness space. THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a key compound found in raw cannabis and the chemical precursor to THC. On its own, THCA doesn’t produce a “high,” but when heated through a process called decarboxylation (typically between 200–290°F), it converts to Delta-9 THC — the psychoactive component in cannabis.
Under the North Carolina Farm Bill, THCA products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC remain legal, creating a gray area that vendors and consumers alike are navigating.
Although cannabis has been rescheduled to Schedule III, it remains federally illegal. Still, more veterans are turning to cannabis and hemp-derived products in pursuit of alternative healing options. Organizations like Balanced Veterans Network (BVN) are leading the charge, empowering veterans to explore plant-based therapies for conditions such as PTSD, chronic pain, and anxiety. With initiatives like Operation 1620, BVN works to educate veterans and advocate for access to medical marijuana. In July, BVN hosted the Veterans Lounge at the National Cannabis Festival in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of community, support, and education. They also offer medical marijuana certification programs across 32 states and Washington, D.C.
While North Carolina has no active medical marijuana legislation beyond the Farm Bill, dispensary-style shops are popping up in cities like Fayetteville. One of the most recent, The Green Plug, opened off Ireland Drive, offering a range of products — edibles, drinks, candies, pre-rolls and THCA flower. Bright green LED cannabis leaves now glow in the windows of multiple storefronts around town. But the question lingers: does this signal growing acceptance — or set the stage for future legal battles?
As interest grows, so do concerns over safety and regulation. In 2023, authorities raided local “Candy Shop” locations tied to an out-of-state investigation involving synthetic cannabinoids. According to the DEA, these substances can be far more potent than natural cannabis, often causing severe side effects. A year later, a multi-county raid targeted over 100 vape shops across Cumberland, Bladen and Robeson counties.
Beyond synthetic cannabis, there’s rising concern for youth safety — especially regarding packaging that mimics household snacks. While definitive state-level statistics are unavailable due to privacy regulations, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reported a significant rise in pediatric cannabis edible exposure between 2017 and 2021. In one high-profile case from November 2023, a Wake County mother was arrested after her two children were hospitalized from ingesting THC-infused gummies. Dr. Daniel Park, director of the UNC Medical Center Pediatric Department, noted that incidents like these often stem from children’s natural curiosity during early developmental stages.
Despite legal ambiguities and public scrutiny, veterans continue to pursue healing in ways that work for them. For some, traditional treatments suffice. For others, cannabis represents a meaningful alternative. According to their website, Balanced Veterans Network has helped more than 800 veterans receive free medical marijuana cards.
With federal legalization potentially on the horizon, key questions emerge: how will cities like Fayetteville adapt as the home of Fort Bragg? And how might changing cannabis laws affect local institutions like Fayetteville State University and Methodist University, both of which serve large military and veteran student populations?
In the meantime, House Bill 900 has taken effect, ending the sale of FDA-unapproved disposable vapes after a 60-day grace period. And while critics remain vocal, there are still no documented deaths directly tied to cannabis consumption.
The path to full acceptance and legalization is still unfolding — but veterans are no longer on the sidelines. Thanks to organizations like BVN and events like the National Cannabis Festival, awareness is growing, advocacy is strengthening, and the conversation is shifting.
Salute to Balanced Veterans Network, the National Cannabis Festival, and every activist getting active. Peace.
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.